Brits in favour of carbon labelling on public services

80% of British consumers are in favour of carbon labelling on public services, new research has revealed. 

A carbon label describes the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions created as a by-product of a consumer good or service.

Many researchers have argued that carbon labelling can be beneficial in giving consumers a greater understanding of their carbon footprint so that they can make more environmentally friendly choices.

According to professional services company, GHD, four out of five UK consumers support the concept to ‘carbon label’ consumer services, such as a journey on public transport or an energy bill.

GHD envisages that carbon labelling could work in a similar way to nutritional labelling by displaying the approximate carbon impact of a particular service on the ticket or bill.

David Maunder, technical leader at GHD, said: ‘The government’s 10-point plan is an important step in creating a decarbonised economy and contains key measures such as support to the development of hydrogen, carbon capture and investment into residential energy efficiency and electric vehicles.

‘However, if the UK is to meet its target of net-zero by 2050, not only will there be a need for new technologies and infrastructure, but consumer behaviour and choices will also play a central role in driving decarbonisation.

‘There’s a clear appetite among the UK’s population to better understand and improve the impact of their carbon footprint, particularly among the 18-24 demographic. This demonstrates the heightened sense of environmental responsibility among younger generations, and we must support them now by providing the transparency and information needed to safeguard their future.

‘Carbon labelling would afford the wider public more transparency on the environmental impact of their lifestyles and empower them to make better, greener choices. With consumers willing to act on this knowledge and pay more for services with a lower carbon footprint, in turn, companies will need to transform their operating practices in order to meet this demand. GHD aims to be at the front of this transition, supporting clients in their transition to achieve net-zero.’

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